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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. System of notes or tones based on and named after the key note.






2. A period in history dating from the 14th to 16th centuries. This period signified the rebirth of music - art - and literature.






3. Short movement or interlude connecting the main parts of the composition.






4. A direction to play lively and fast.






5. The manner in which tones are produced with regard to pitch.






6. In sheet music - an instruction to repeat the beginning of the piece before stopping on the final chord.






7. One of the two modes of the tonal system. Music written in major keys have a positive affirming character.






8. Word to indicate that the movement or entire composition is to be played grandly.






9. The keyboard of a stringed instrument.






10. The voice between soprano and alto. Also - in sheet music - a direction for the tempo to be played at medium speed.






11. A repeating phrase that is played at the end of each verse in the song.






12. Lowest female singing voice.






13. The major and minor keys that share the same notes in that key.For example: A minor shares the same note as C major.






14. Pertaining to the loudness or softness of a musical composition. Also the symbols in sheet music indicating volume.






15. A set of six musicians who perform a composition written for six parts.






16. A group singing in unison.






17. The intonation - pitch - and modulation of a composition expressing the meaning - feeling - or attitude of the music.






18. A chord comprised of three whole tones resulting in an augmented fourth or diminished fifth.






19. Indicating speed.






20. A symbol indicating that the note is to be diminished by one semitone.






21. To shift to another key.






22. Pertaining to the fugue - the overlapping of the same theme or motif by two or more voices a few beats apart.






23. A quick 20th century dance written in double time.






24. Direction to performer to play a composition in a brisk - lively - and spirited manner.






25. Music composed such that each note is used the same number of times.






26. A direction to play expressively.






27. A combination of two or more staves on which all the notes are vertically aligned and performed simultaneously in differing registers and instruments.






28. One of the two modes of the tonal system. Music written in major keys have a positive affirming character.






29. A symbol in sheet music that returns a note to its original pitch after it has been augmented or diminished.






30. One who directs a group of performers. The conductor indicates the tempo - phrasing - dynamics - and style by gestures and facial expressions.






31. A successive transposition and repetition of a phrase at different pitches.






32. The first tone of a scale also known as a keynote.






33. To hold a tone or rest held beyond the written value at the discretion of the performer.






34. A composition based on previous work. A common technique used in Medieval and Renaissance music.






35. A numeric symbol in sheet music determining the number of beats to a measure.






36. A set of seven musicians who perform a composition written for seven parts.






37. When several strings are tuned to harmonically related pitches - all strings vibrate when only one of the strings is struck.






38. Music that is easy to listen to and understand.






39. A style of singing which is characterized by the easy and flowing tone of the composition.






40. Music that is written and performed without regard to any specific key.






41. A large group of instrumentalists playing together.






42. Music written for chorus and orchestra. Most often religious in nature.






43. A book of text containing the words of an opera.






44. A repeated phrase.






45. Quick repetition of the same note or the rapid alternation between two notes.






46. The flats and sharps at the beginning of each staff line indicating the key of music the piece is to be played.






47. A composition written for eight instruments.






48. Piece of instrumental music played between scenes in a play or opera.






49. A piece of music written for two vocalists or instrumentalists.






50. The opening section of a piece of music or movement.